Multi-end connector adaptor

ABSTRACT

A multi-end connector adaptor comprising a main pipe run having a main pipe run connector flange located at the inlet end of the main pipe run; and outlet ends of first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs having a ball valve type end connector flange comprising a flow bore through the respective flange and an annular landing recessed in the respective flange around the flow bore to receive a seat ring for sealing against a flow control element of a ball valve. Multiport severe service ball valve assemblies, systems comprising the multi-end connector adaptors and methods of use are also disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of co-pending InternationalPatent Application PCT/US2013/033588, filed Mar. 22, 2013, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/614,486 filed Mar.22, 2012, all of which are fully incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Severe service ball valves are utilized in a number of processes andunder a variety of conditions, including extreme temperatures, highpressures, abrasive particles, acidic fluids, heavy solids buildup,critical safety applications, large pressure differentials, velocitycontrol, noise control, etc. Severe service ball valves may becharacterized as valves suitable for use under relatively highpressures, pressure drops and/or temperatures. Pressure and/or pressuredifferentials may exceed 0.7 MPa (100 psi), 7 MPa (1000 psi) or even 70MPa (10,000 psi), and temperatures may exceed 100° C., 200° C. or even500° C. Difficult process streams may be corrosive, may include abrasiveparticulates, may be prone to solidification unless maintained above aparticular temperature, may be prone to solids buildup, and the like.Severe service ball valves are characterized by metal-to-metal sealingcontact between the ball and the seats of the valve.

In various processes, severe service ball valves may be employed inredundant legs or pathways of a process for a configuration which allowsfor selectively isolating the two pathways to maintain a process flow(or isolation) via one pathway, while providing service or maintenanceon the unused, isolated leg. Likewise, various pathways may be employedin a severe service process in which different process steps may berequired depending on the characteristics of a particular stream. Amultiport manifold has been attached to two or more severe service ballvalves via intermediate flanged connections. However, with large valvesthe assembly can be complicated, contain an excessive footprint, andmoreover dead volume in flow paths from the manifold header to thevalves may be problematic in some severe service applications, e.g.,solids may accumulate in non-flow areas and stresses due to thermalcycling may become extreme.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is generally directed to a multi-end connectoradaptor, multiport valve assemblies comprising the multi-end connectoradaptor connected to a plurality of valves, systems comprising aplurality of the multiport valve assemblies and methods involving themulti-end connector adaptor, valve assemblies and systems. Inembodiments, the valves may be ball valves or severe service ballvalves.

In an embodiment, a multi-end connector adaptor, comprises a main piperun comprising an inlet end in fluid communication with outlet ends offirst and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs; the main pipe runcomprising a main pipe run connector flange located at the inlet end ofthe main pipe run; and the outlet ends of the first and secondtransverse auxiliary pipe runs each comprising a ball valve type endconnector flange comprising a flow bore through the respective flangeand an annular landing recessed in the respective flange around the flowbore to receive a seat ring for sealing against a flow control elementof a ball valve.

In an embodiment, the main pipe run connector flange is a pipe type endconnector flange. In an embodiment, the multi-end connector adaptor mayfurther comprise a minimum seat recess spacing of the annular landing ofthe ball valve type end connector of the first transverse auxiliary piperun which is less than two main pipe run diameters, wherein the mainpipe run diameter is determined at the inlet end and the minimum seatrecess spacing is the minimum distance between the annular landing and acentral longitudinal axis of the main pipe run determined along alongitudinal axis of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run. In anembodiment, the minimum seat recess spacing is less than or equal to 1main pipe run diameter.

In an embodiment, the annular landing of the ball valve type endconnector of the one of the transverse auxiliary pipe runs (e.g., thefirst transverse auxiliary pipe run) is located entirely outside of alinear projection of an inner surface of the main pipe run parallel to acentral longitudinal axis of the main pipe run. In an embodiment, thefirst and the second transverse auxiliary pipe runs intersect the mainpipe run in a Y configuration wherein the first and second transverseauxiliary pipe runs are each arranged such that a central longitudinalaxis of the corresponding transverse auxiliary pipe run is at an anglefrom about 95° to about 175° relative to a central longitudinal axis ofthe main pipe run.

In an embodiment, the multi-end connector adaptor may further comprise athird transverse auxiliary pipe run oriented transverse to a planedefined by the central longitudinal axis of the first transverseauxiliary pipe run and the central longitudinal axis of the secondtransverse auxiliary pipe run. In an embodiment, the third transverseauxiliary pipe run comprises a pipe type end connector flange.

In an embodiment, a central longitudinal axis of the first transverseauxiliary pipe run is arranged at an angle of about 90° relative to acentral longitudinal axis of the main pipe run. In an embodiment, boththe central longitudinal axis of the first transverse auxiliary pipe runand a central longitudinal axis of the second transverse auxiliary piperun are arranged at an angle of about 90° relative to a centrallongitudinal axis of the main pipe run.

In an embodiment, the multi-end connector adaptor may further comprise athird auxiliary pipe run oriented coaxial with the main pipe run. In anembodiment, the third auxiliary pipe run comprises a pipe type endconnector flange. In an embodiment, the third auxiliary pipe runcomprises a ball valve type end connector flange.

In an embodiment, at least one ball valve type end connector flangecomprises a purge port in fluid communication with the annular landing.In an embodiment, the ball valve type end connector comprises an annularprojection radially arranged about the flow bore extending from a faceof the respective flange, the annular projection comprising an outsidediameter which is less than an outside diameter of the respective flangeand an inside diameter which is greater than or equal to an outsidediameter of the annular landing.

In an embodiment, a multiport severe service ball valve assemblycomprises a multi-end connector adaptor according to one or moreembodiments which further includes ball valves attached to each of theball valve type end connector flanges, which may be severe service ballvalves.

In an embodiment, a multiport severe service ball valve assemblycomprises a multi-end connector adaptor, comprising a main pipe runcomprising an inlet end in fluid communication with outlet ends of firstand second transverse auxiliary pipe runs; the main pipe run comprisinga main pipe run connector flange located at the inlet end of the mainpipe run; and the outlet ends of the first and second transverseauxiliary pipe runs each comprising a ball valve type end connectorflange comprising a flow bore through the respective flange and anannular landing recessed in the respective flange around the flow boreto receive a seat ring, each of the ball valve type end connectorflanges detachably connected to a ball valve body of a correspondingsevere service ball valve such that a flow control element in a cavityof each ball valve body is sealing engaged with a corresponding seatring disposed in the annular landing of the respective ball valve typeend connector flange.

In an embodiment, the multiport severe service ball valve assemblyfurther comprises an opposing end connector attached to each ball valvebody opposite the respective ball valve type end connector of themulti-end connector adaptor.

In an embodiment, a system comprises a plurality of process elementsrespectively disposed in a plurality of parallel flow paths betweenfirst and second multiport severe service ball valve assembliesaccording to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. In an embodiment,a system comprises a plurality of process elements respectively disposedin a plurality of parallel flow paths between first and second multiportsevere service ball valve assemblies; each of the multiport severeservice ball valve assemblies comprising a plurality of process elementsrespectively disposed in a plurality of parallel flow paths betweenfirst and second multiport severe service ball valve assemblies; each ofthe multiport severe service ball valve assemblies comprising amulti-end connector adaptor, comprising a main pipe run comprising aninlet end in fluid communication with outlet ends of first and secondtransverse auxiliary pipe runs; the main pipe run comprising a main piperun connector flange located at the inlet end of the main pipe run; andthe outlet ends of the first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runseach comprising a ball valve type end connector flange comprising a flowbore through the respective flange and an annular landing recessed inthe respective flange around the flow bore to receive a seat ring, eachof the ball valve type end connector flanges detachably connected to aball valve body of a corresponding severe service ball valve such that aflow control element in a cavity of each ball valve body is sealinglyengaged with a corresponding seat ring disposed in the annular landingof the respective ball valve type end connector flange; and a systeminlet located at the inlet end of the main pipe run of the firstmultiport severe service ball valve assembly in fluid communication witha system outlet located at the inlet end of the main pipe run of thesecond multiport severe service ball valve assembly through respectivetransverse auxiliary pipe runs, flow control elements, and processelements of each of the flow paths.

In an embodiment, the process elements of the system include a pressureletdown valve, a flow control valve, an isolation valve, a filter, aheat exchanger, a distillation column, a reactor, a mixer, a noiseattenuation element, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the system further comprises a valved flush line inletin fluid communication with a valved flush line outlet through at leasta portion of one of the flow paths. In an embodiment, the systemincluding the first and second multiport severe service ball valveassemblies and the process elements are mounted on at least one skid toform a module. In an embodiment, each of the multi-end connectoradaptors further comprise a third auxiliary pipe run and wherein thesystem inlet and the system outlet are in fluid communication through avalved bypass line in fluid communication between each of the thirdauxiliary pipe runs. In an embodiment, the system further comprises acontrol system to operate the first and second multiport severe serviceball valve assemblies to selectively open and isolate the parallel flowpaths with respect to the system inlet and the system outlet.

In an embodiment, a method of processing fluid flow through a pluralityof process elements respectively disposed in a like plurality ofparallel flow paths comprises providing the a system according toembodiments disclosed herein in a process unit, selectively opening theflow control elements in the multiport severe service ball valveassemblies to pass fluid through a first flow path; selectively closingthe flow control elements in the multiport severe service ball valveassemblies to isolate the process element of a second flow path;servicing the isolated process element of the second flow path; andopening the flow control elements in the multiport severe service ballvalve assemblies to initiate fluid flow through the serviced processelement of the second flow path.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional plan view of a prior art multi-end connectorin a Y configuration;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-end connector adapteraccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional plan view of a multiport valve assemblyequipped with two-piece valve bodies according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of a multiport valve assemblyequipped with three-piece valve bodies according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional plan view of a multi-end connector adaptershown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional plan view of a multi-end connector adapteraccording to another embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional plan view of a multi-end connector adapteraccording to another embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a 4-way multi-end connector adapteraccording to another embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a multi-end connector adapter comprisingan auxiliary pipe run according to another embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a modular multiple path valve systemcomprising multi-end connector adapter assemblies according to anotherembodiment;

FIG. 10 is an overhead view of a skid mounted modular multiple pathvalve system comprising multi-end connector adapter assemblies accordingto another embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is a side view of the skid mounted modular multiple path valvesystem shown in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments disclosed herein are merely exemplary of the disclosure,which may be embodied in various forms. Specific structural andfunctional details disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, butmerely illustrations that can be modified within the scope of theattached claims.

For purposes herein, a bore is defined as a hole, passage, conduit,flow-path, and/or the like at least partially bound along an axis by avalve body and/or a pipe run, having an opening to a surface or end ofthe valve body and formed by or as if by boring. A bore may be producedby contacting a solid body with some rotary cutting instrument removinga core of material therefrom, and/or by casting or forging a body tocomprise the bore, and/or by welding various pieces together to form thebore. For purposes herein, bore, passage, conduit, and flow-path areused interchangeably unless otherwise indicated.

For purposes herein, a pipe run is a continuous, monolithic length ofthe adapter body, which may be a pipe or a block of material, comprisinga bore there-through, which may be straight, curved or angled.Monolithic as used herein refers to a component made from a single pieceor block of metal formed or as if formed by casting, by forging, bymachining from a larger piece and/or by welding two or more pieces ofmaterial together forming bore through a body, a pipe, or sections ofpipe together.

For purposes herein, a multi-end connector adaptor is defined as amonolithic component comprising at least three pipe runs incommunication for the through flow of fluid from an inlet end located ata terminal end of a main pipe run through the multi-end connectoradapter to at least two outlet ends of the multi-end connector adapter,each located at terminal ends of a plurality of corresponding auxiliarypipe runs in fluid communication with an end of the main pipe runlocated opposite the inlet end, and to which valves may be attached toeach of the outlet ends by bolting, threading, clamping, frictionfitting, adhesive attachment, welding, and/or the like. For purposesherein, the terms multi-end connector adaptor, multiport adapter, andthe like are used interchangeably. Likewise, the terms multiport ballvalve assembly, multiport severe service ball valve assembly, multiportadapter assembly, and the like refer to a multi-end connector adaptorequipped with ball valves (severe service ball valves) attached to ballvalve type end connectors located at the ends of at least two auxiliarypipe runs.

For purposes herein the main pipe run in a multi-end connector adaptoris the pipe run directly attached to the inlet, which is intersected byat least two transverse auxiliary pipe run(s), and optionally one ormore auxiliary pipe runs. It is to be understood that for purposesherein, the inlet and outlets of the multi-end connector adaptor referonly to the location of the valves, wherein the valves are located atthe outlet ends of auxiliary pipe runs of the multi-end connector andthus, an inlet of a multi-end connector adaptor located at an inlet of avalve system may also be the inlet of the valve system, while the inletof another multi-end connector adaptor located at the outlet of the samevalve system is still referred to as the inlet of the multi-endconnector adaptor even though it functions as the outlet of the valvesystem as a whole.

For purposes herein, a multi-end connector adaptor may further includeone or more auxiliary intersecting pipe runs and, if present, theauxiliary pipe run(s) may be coaxial with the main pipe run having anopening at the end opposite that of the inlet to the main pipe run.While the coaxial auxiliary pipe run(s) may be open and/or otherwisephysically similar or identical to the main pipe run, in general, themain pipe run may be used as an unobstructed fluid inlet or a valvedfluid inlet, whereas a coaxial auxiliary pipe run may be used as a fluidoutlet and may optionally include a flow control element mounted to oron an end thereof.

The extent of the main pipe run is from the opening of the main pipe runto the end of the pipe run, or if there is a coaxial auxiliary pipe run,to the intersection of the main pipe run and the transverse auxiliarypipe run closest to the opening of the coaxial auxiliary pipe run. Theextent of an auxiliary pipe run is from the opening at the end to theouter surface or projection of the outer surface of the main pipe runacross the end of the transverse auxiliary pipe run. The term“intersecting” refers to the inner end of the auxiliary pipe run open toan inner surface or projection of the inner surface of the main pipe runacross the end of the transverse auxiliary pipe run for fluidcommunication between the main and auxiliary pipe run—it is not arequirement for intersecting pipe runs that their longitudinal axesintersect, but they may. For purposes herein, an auxiliary pipe run isdefined as being in direct or valved fluid communication with the mainpipe run. As used herein, the “surface,” “inner surface” and “innerdiameter” of a pipe run are synonymous.

For purposes herein a severe-service ball valve is characterized as avalve suitable for use: at a rated pressure and/or pressure differentialin excess of 0.7 MPa (100 psi), or 7 MPa (1000 psi), or 70 MPa (10,000psi); or at a rated temperature in excess of 100° C., or 200° C. or 500°C.; or with corrosive streams; or with streams which include or mayinclude abrasive particulates; or with streams prone to solidificationunless maintained above a temperature of 60° C. or higher; or anycombination thereof.

For purposes herein a metal-to-metal seal is one which achieves a sealby contact between two surfaces of metal or thinly (less than 1 mm)ceramic-coated metal, e.g., a metal flow control element and a metalseat and/or a coated metal flow control element and a metal seat.

For purposes herein a flow control element is a spherical element havingan arcuate convex or concave surface with a locus of points an equaldistance (radius) from an origin.

For purposes herein a valve comprises a valve body attachable to a boreon an inlet side of the valve body through a connector and attachable toor comprising an integral outlet connector on an outlet side of thevalve body. The valve body may further comprise a flow control elementlocated in a valve cavity, which is an enlarged recess formed within thevalve body to wholly or partially receive the flow control elementpositioned and arranged thereon to block or allow fluid flow through thebore. For purposes herein, a two-piece valve or valve body refers to avalve comprising a monolithic valve body-end and outlet connectorassembly, e.g., a one piece valve body, which is detachable to an inletend connector of the valve body (which may be a ball valve type endconnector) as another piece. Likewise, a three-piece valve or valve bodyrefers to a valve body comprising an outlet end connector which isdetachable to the valve body, and a valve body which is detachable to aninlet end connector of the valve body (which may be a ball valve typeend connector) as another piece.

For purposes herein, a pipe type end connector comprises a flangeradially disposed about a bore, the flange dimensioned and arranged toengage a corresponding flange, which may include a recess and/or aprojection in which a gasket or other compressible sealing element islocated in or arranged on, such that bringing two complementary pipetype end connector flanges together (e.g., a first flange and a secondflange) sealingly engages the bore of the first flange with the bore ofthe second flange. As used herein, a pipe type end connector comprises aflange with a flow bore through it continuous with the pipe run and/orhaving the same inside diameter as the pipe run, or an end connectorthat does not otherwise have an annular landing recess to receive a seatring for sealing against the flow control element of a ball valve.

For purposes herein, the diameter of a main pipe run is determined atthe inlet end of the main pipe run. For purposes herein, the seatspacing, also referred to herein as the minimum seat recess spacing of aball valve type end connector from a main pipe run is determined betweena central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run and a point of anannular landing (of a corresponding auxiliary pipe run) disposed in theball valve type end connector (located at an end of the correspondingauxiliary pipe run) which is located nearest to the central longitudinalaxis when the distance is determined along an axis of the auxiliary piperun, which for an angled Y-type connector is typically along an innerwall of the auxiliary pipe run located farthest away from the inlet. Inan embodiment, a minimum seat recess spacing of the annular landing ofthe ball valve type end connector of a transverse auxiliary pipe run isthe minimum distance between the annular landing and a centrallongitudinal axis of the main pipe run determined along a longitudinalaxis of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run. Accordingly, a minimumseat recess spacing of a ball valve type end connector from a main piperun which is less than 1 diameter of the main pipe run may result in aportion of the annular landing and thus a portion of a valve seatlocated in the annular landing, to be located within a linear projectionof the main pipe run parallel to a central axis of the main pipe run,depending on the angle of a central axis of the auxiliary pipe runrelative to a central axis of the main pipe run. In other words,depending on the angle of the auxiliary pipe run, a spacing of a ballvalve type end connector from a main pipe run which is less than orequal to 1 diameter of the main pipe run may be directly in the flowpath of the inlet to the adapter.

In an embodiment, a ball valve type end connector comprises a flange,typically attached to or attachable to a pipe run, the flangedimensioned and arranged to sealingly engage a side of a valve body,typically an inlet side of the valve body; the flange comprising a flowbore there-through and further comprising an annular landing recessedinto the flange radially around the flow bore dimensioned and arrangedto receive a seat ring, also referred to as a valve seal, for sealingbetween the flange and a flow control element located within the valvebody of a valve attached to the ball valve type end connector. Inembodiments, the annular landing may further or optionally accommodate aspring to bias the valve seal against flow control element. In addition,the flange of the ball valve type end connector may further comprise oneor more annular landings disposed therein and/or annular projectionsextending from a surface of the flange to sealingly engage a valve bodyattached to the ball valve type end connector. Accordingly, in anembodiment, the ball valve type end connector allows a pipe run todirectly sealing attach to an inlet end of a ball valve withoutrequiring an separate inlet flange on the ball valve, such as a pipetype end connector, an attachment flange, a threaded adapter, a weldablenipple, and/or the like.

According to embodiments herein, a multi-end connector adaptor for aplurality of ball valves, which in an embodiment may be severe serviceball valves, comprises a main pipe run in fluid communication with aplurality of auxiliary pipe runs comprising at least one transverseauxiliary pipe run and flanged connectors to respective ends of the piperuns, including a main pipe run connector to an end of the main pipe runand auxiliary pipe run connectors to respective ends of the plurality ofauxiliary pipe runs, wherein at least two of the auxiliary pipe runconnectors (at least two of the flanged connectors) each comprise a ballvalve type end connector comprising a flow bore through the respectiveflange and an annular landing recessed into the respective flange aroundthe flow bore to receive a seat ring for sealing between the ball valvetype end connector and a flow control element of a ball valve. Inembodiments, at least one of the other flanged connectors may be a pipetype end connector.

In embodiments, a spacing of a nearest point of the annular landing ofthe ball valve type end connector (the minimal seat recess spacing) inthe at least one transverse auxiliary pipe run is less than or equal totwo main pipe run diameters, or less than or equal to 1.5 main pipe rundiameters, or from 0.5 to 1.5 main pipe run diameters, or from 1 to 2main pipe run diameters, or from 0.5 to 2 main pipe run diameters, orfrom 0.5 to 1.5 main pipe run diameters, or from 0.51 to 0.75 main piperun diameters when determined between the nearest point (i.e., theminimum distance) of the annular landing to the central longitudinalaxis of the main pipe run when determined along a longitudinal axis ofthe transverse auxiliary pipe run.

In embodiments, the annular landing, in at least one of the ball valvetype end connectors relative to at least one transverse auxiliary piperun, is located entirely outside of a linear projection of an innersurface of the main pipe run. In an embodiment, a minimum seat recessspacing of a nearest point of the annular landing of the ball valve typeend connector in the at least one transverse auxiliary pipe run isgreater than one (1) diameter of the main pipe run. Accordingly, in suchan embodiment, no part of the annular landing is within a line of sighttaken along an inner surface of a portion of the main pipe run locatedimmediately prior to the intersection of the auxiliary pipe run and themain pipe run such that a fluid traveling along the main pipe run doesnot directly imping upon any portion of a seal located within theannular landing.

In alternative or additional embodiments, at least a portion of theannular landing in at least one of the ball valve type end connectorsrelative to at least one transverse auxiliary pipe run is located withina projection of the inner surface of the main pipe run, In anembodiment, a minimum seat recess spacing of a nearest point of theannular landing of the ball valve type end connector in the at least onetransverse auxiliary pipe run is less than or equal to 0.5 diameters ofthe main pipe run when determined as discussed above. Accordingly, insuch an embodiment, a portion of the annular landing is within a line ofsight taken along an inner surface of a portion of the main pipe runlocated immediately prior to the intersection of the auxiliary pipe runand the main pipe run such that a fluid traveling along the main piperun directly impinges on a portion of a seal located within the annularlanding.

In embodiments, a multi-end connector adaptor comprises two transverseauxiliary pipe runs intersecting the main pipe run in a Y configurationwherein each of the central longitudinal axes of the transverseauxiliary pipe runs are arranged at an angle from about 95° to about175° relative to the central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run. Inembodiments, a multi-end connector adaptor comprises two transverseauxiliary pipe runs intersecting the main pipe run in a T configurationwherein each of the central longitudinal axes of the transverseauxiliary pipe runs are arranged at an angle of about 90° (e.g., fromgreater than 85° to less than 95°) relative to the central longitudinalaxis of the main pipe run. In embodiments, each of the centrallongitudinal axes of the transverse auxiliary pipe runs are coplanarwith the central longitudinal axes of the main pipe run. In embodiments,only one central longitudinal axis of the plurality of transverseauxiliary pipe runs is coplanar with the central longitudinal axis ofthe main pipe run.

In embodiments, two of the transverse auxiliary pipe runs intersect themain pipe run in a Y configuration wherein each central longitudinalaxis of each transverse auxiliary pipe run is arranged at an angle fromabout 95° to about 175°, or from about 105° to about 165°, or from about120° to about 150°, or from about 125° to about 145°, or about 135°,relative to the central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run. In anembodiment, each of the central longitudinal axes of the transverseauxiliary pipe runs meet at the same point along the centrallongitudinal axis of the main pipe run.

In embodiments, a central longitudinal axis of a third auxiliary piperun is arranged transverse to, or essentially orthogonal to, a planedefined by the central longitudinal axis of the first transverseauxiliary pipe run and the central longitudinal axis of the secondtransverse auxiliary pipe run.

In embodiments, a central longitudinal axis of a third auxiliary piperun is arranged or oriented coaxial with the main pipe run, which may becoplanar with a plane defined by the central longitudinal axis of thefirst transverse auxiliary pipe run and the central longitudinal axis ofthe second transverse auxiliary pipe run and the central longitudinalaxis of the main pipe run.

In embodiments, the multi-end connector adaptor includes a main piperun, at least two transverse auxiliary pipe runs, and at least oneauxiliary pipe run, and the flanged connectors to the main pipe run andthe orthogonal auxiliary pipe run comprise pipe type end connectors andthe flanged connectors to two transverse auxiliary pipe runs compriseball valve type end connectors. In embodiments, the flanged connectorsto the main pipe run and the orthogonal auxiliary pipe run comprise pipetype end connectors and the flanged connectors to the two transverseauxiliary pipe runs in a Y configuration comprise ball valve type endconnectors.

In embodiments, one of the transverse auxiliary pipe runs is positionedat a essentially a 90° angle with respect to a central longitudinal axisof the main pipe run, and the flanged connector of the right angleauxiliary pipe run comprises the ball valve type end connector.

In embodiments, the multi-end connector adaptor comprises two transverseauxiliary pipe runs positioned each at a right angle with respect to thecentral longitudinal axis of the main pipe run, wherein the flangedconnectors to the two right angle auxiliary pipe runs each comprise theball valve end connectors.

In embodiments, the multi-end connector adaptor comprises a main piperun, at least two transverse auxiliary pipe runs, and a third auxiliarypipe run, wherein the third auxiliary pipe run is located coaxial withthe main pipe run. In an embodiment, the flanged connector of thecoaxial auxiliary pipe run comprises a pipe type end connector. In anembodiment, the flanged connector of the coaxial auxiliary pipe runcomprises a ball valve type end connector.

In embodiments, the multi-end connector adaptor further comprises aflush port or flush flow passage in fluid communication with the bore ofthe main pipe run and by extension, at least a portion of the bores ofthe auxiliary pipe runs. The location of the flush port may be on anyside or surface of the main pipe run, and/or a multi-end connectoradaptor may comprise a plurality of flush flow passages oriented for useaccording to the orientation of the multi-end connector adaptor suchthat a single multi-end connector adaptor may be used in a variety oforientations e.g., on an inlet of a valved system using a first flushport with a second flush port blocked or sealed off, and on an outlet ofthe same valved system using the second flush port with the first flushport blocked or sealed off.

In embodiments, the main pipe run may terminate at an end locatedopposite the inlet and proximate to the auxiliary pipe runs. In suchembodiments, the main pipe run may terminate at a coaxial concavefrustoconical recess, or at a transverse convex surface which may be acoaxial and/or comprise a frustoconical projection, and/or at aremovably attached (to the connector adaptor at the end of the pipe run)impingement element, which may carry a wear surface which may bemetallic, ceramic, and/or the like.

In embodiments, one or two of the auxiliary pipe runs and a thirdcoaxial auxiliary pipe run may form a three-way, Y-type (auxiliary piperuns are not coplanar) or a T-type (auxiliary pipe runs and main piperun are coplanar) end connector adaptor. In embodiments, the twoauxiliary pipe runs are located at a right-angle to and coplanar withthe main pipe run and a coplanar and coaxial auxiliary pipe run forms afour-way, cross-type end connector adaptor.

In embodiments, the ball valve type end connector may comprise anannular projection extending from a face of the respective flange,wherein an outside diameter of the annular projection is less than anoutside diameter of the respective flange, and wherein the annularlanding has an outside diameter less than or equal to the insidediameter of the annular projection and an inside diameter greater thanor equal to a diameter of the flow bore.

In an embodiment, a multi-end connector adaptor assembly, also referredto herein as a multiport ball valve assembly or a multiport severeservice ball valve assembly, comprises a multi-end connector adaptoraccording to embodiments herein which further includes ball valves(which may be severe service ball valves), attached to each of the ballvalve type end connectors of the auxiliary pipe runs. Accordingly, inembodiments, a multi-end connector adaptor assembly comprises amulti-end connector adaptor for a plurality of severe service ballvalves, comprising a main pipe run in fluid communication with aplurality of auxiliary pipe runs comprising at least one transverseauxiliary pipe run; flanged connectors to respective ends of the piperuns, comprising a main pipe run connector to an end of the main piperun and auxiliary pipe run connectors to respective ends of theplurality of auxiliary pipe runs; wherein at least two of the flangedconnectors each comprise a ball valve type end connector comprising aflow bore through the respective flange and an annular landing recessedinto the respective flange around the flow bore to receive a seat ringfor sealing against a flow control element of a ball valve; and a ballvalve body detachably connected to each of the at least two ball valvetype end connectors, a flow control element in a cavity in each valvebody and a seat ring in each annular landing recess for sealing againstthe respective flow control element.

In embodiments the seat ring provides metal-to-metal sealing contactwith the flow control element of the attached ball valve.

In embodiments, the assembly may further comprise an opposing endconnector attached to each ball valve body opposite the respective ballvalve type end connector of the multi-end connector adaptor. Inembodiments, at least one of the valves comprises an opposing endconnector which is integral and monolithic with the valve body as in atwo-piece ball valve. In an embodiment, at least one of the valvescomprises an opposing end connector which is detachably connected to thevalve body, as in a three-piece ball valve. In embodiments, at least oneof the ball valves further comprises a purge flow passage(s) into thevalve body cavity(ies). In embodiments, at least one of the ball valvesis a two way ball valve. In embodiments, at least one of the ball valvesis a one-way ball valve, wherein the “sealing end” of the ball valve isconnected to the ball valve type end connector of the multi-endconnector adaptor.

In embodiments, a system comprises a plurality of process elementsrespectively disposed in a plurality of parallel processing pathsbetween auxiliary pipe runs of first and second multi-end connectoradaptor assemblies, a flow path between a system inlet in direct fluidcommunication with a main pipe run of the first multi-end connectoradaptor assembly through one of the parallel processing paths throughthe respective auxiliary pipe runs and flow control elements of thefirst and second multi-end connector adaptor assemblies to a systemoutlet in direct fluid communication with a main pipe run of the secondmulti-end connector adaptor assembly.

In embodiments, process elements may be critical equipment requiringstandby redundancy, ones periodically requiring increased processingcapacity in a parallel processing paths, ones requiring frequentservicing, e.g. equipment with high failure or fouling rates, beds orother media requiring regeneration or replacement, etc., such aspressure letdown valves, flow control valves, isolation valves, filters,heat exchangers, noise attenuation elements, and so on.

In embodiments, the system may be modular, e.g., skid mounted, fortransportation to and from the process unit and a remote assembly orservicing location away from the process unit. In embodiments, thesystem is modular, or the first and second multi-end connector adaptorassemblies and the process elements are mounted on one or more skids,e.g., to form a module. In embodiments, each of the one or more skids ofthe system is transportable via truck on the US interstate highwaysystem, by rail, and/or by containerized transportation.

In an embodiment, a method comprises selectively operating the flowcontrol elements in the multi-end connector adaptor assemblies describedabove between opened and closed position for fluid flow or isolation. Inembodiments, the flow control elements may be operated independently forsimultaneous or sequential operation. In embodiments, a purge fluid maybe supplied to the valve body cavities to flush debris from around theseat rings. In embodiments, a flush fluid may be supplied to the flushports to flush debris and/or thermally condition one of the parallelprocessing paths isolated from the system inlet and system outlet.

In an embodiment, a method of processing fluid flow through a pluralityof process elements respectively disposed in a plurality of parallelprocessing paths, comprises: providing the system described above in aprocess unit with the system inlet connected to an upstream fluid supplyand the system outlet connected to a downstream process line;selectively opening the flow control elements in the multi-end connectoradaptor assemblies of a first one of the parallel processing paths topass fluid through the respective process element; and selectivelyclosing the flow control elements in the multi-end connector adaptorassemblies of the second one of the parallel processing paths to isolatethe respective process element. In embodiments, the method may furthercomprise isolating and servicing one of the process elements; andopening the flow control elements in the respective parallel processingpath to initiate fluid flow through the serviced process element.

Turning to the figures, prior art FIG. 1 shows a multiport adapterarrangement 1 comprising a main pipe run 5 equipped with a flangeconnector 6 at the inlet 13 of the multiport adapter 1, in fluidcommunication with two transverse auxiliary pipe runs 7A and 7B in aY-pattern, both of which also terminate in an outlet flange connector 3(e.g., outlet flanges 3A and 3B) in fluid communication with an outlet54. Such adapters require the outlet flanges 3A and 3B to be located asufficient distance from one another (distance between opposite lateralpipe runs of the multiport adaptor 1) so that the bolts 4 can beaccessed for assembly and/or disassembly of an attached ball valve,generally represented as 27, (e.g., ball valves 27A and 27B). Outletflanges 3A and 3B add length to the “dead space” indicated generally as8 created in the length of the flow passage between the inlet 13 ofmultiport adaptor 1 and the flow control element 38, which is alsoincreased by the volume associated with the inlet end connector 2 ofball valve 27, e.g., inlet end connectors 2A and 2B of ball valves 27Aand 27B, respectively.

For flanged adapters known in the art, a minimum seat recess spacing,indicated by line 48, is greater than two times a diameter 49 of themain pipe run 5, wherein the minimum seat recess spacing 48 isdetermined between a nearest surface (represented by line 25) of anannular landing 24 disposed in the inlet end connector 2 to accommodatethe inlet valve seat 44; and a central longitudinal axis 20 of the mainpipe run 5, determined along a longitudinal axis 29 of the auxiliarypipe run 7.

The dead space 8 within the auxiliary pipe runs may become problematicdue to the accumulation of materials therein when one of the two ballvalves 27 is in a closed position, e.g., auxiliary pipe run 7A shown inFIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 2, in an embodiment, a multi-end connector adaptor 10comprises a main pipe run 12, also referred to in some embodiments as aninlet pipe run, in fluid communication with two or more transverseauxiliary pipe runs 14A and 14B, also referred to herein as outlet piperuns, which are shown arranged in a Y-pattern. Flanged connector 16located at an inlet 13 of the main pipe run 12 comprises a flange for apipe type connection, e.g., a flange in accordance with ASME/ANSI B16.5.As used herein, ASME refers to the standards of the American Society ofMechanical Engineers in effect on the filing date of this document; andANSI refers to the American National Standards Institute in effect onthe filing date of this document. Auxiliary pipe runs 14A, 14B eachterminate in a ball valve type end connector 18, e.g., ball valve typeend connectors 18A and 18B, each of which, in an embodiment, are inaccordance with ASME/ANSI B16.34 or an equivalent thereof. Each of theball valve type connectors 18A and 18B comprise a flange 20, radiallyarranged about an auxiliary flow bore 22 dimensioned and arranged toengage a ball valve 27 (cf. FIG. 3). The ball valve type connectors 18A,18B further include an annular landing 24 recessed into the flange 20radially disposed about the auxiliary flow bore 22, dimensioned andarranged to receive and sealingly engage with an inlet valve seat 44 ofa ball valve 27 directly attached to and sealingly engaged with flange20 (cf. FIG. 3).

In an embodiment, ball valve type end connectors 18A and/or 18B may eachfurther comprise a purge port 31, also referred to herein as purge fluidpassages and/or as seal purge port or seal purge passage, connectorflange comprises a purge port in fluid communication with the annularlanding 24 to supply a purge fluid 56 from a purge system 207 via apurge valve 35 (cf. FIG. 9) to or proximate to the annular landing 24 toflush out any debris and the like which may accumulate proximate to thevalve seat 44 (cf. FIG. 3).

In an embodiment, pipe runs 12, 14A, and 14B may comprise NPS (NominalPipe Size based on ASME B36.10M and/or B36.19M) or DN (nominal diameterconforming to the International Standards Organization) pipe, or anequivalent thereof, according to the standard ASME/ANSI B36.10 or anequivalent thereof, or pipe meeting the valve standard for ASME/ANSIB16.34 or an equivalent thereof, e.g. pipe runs terminating at pipeconnectors may meet the standard ASME/ANSI B36.10 or an equivalentthereof, whereas pipe runs terminating at ball valve type endconnectors, or at least the portion adjacent to the end connector, maymeet the standard ASME/ANSI B16.34 In embodiments, portions of the piperuns 14A, 14B adjacent to the connectors 18A, 18B comply with standardASME/ANSI B16.34 for welded connections, which are welded to respectiveportions of the pipe runs 14A, 14B complying with standard ASME/ANSIB36.10. In general, pipe runs per ASME/ANSI B16.34 and ASME/ANSI B36.10have the same bore or inside diameter, but depending on the schedule orpressure ratings vary in wall thicknesses and flange dimensions, withvalve standard ASME/ANSI B16.34 being the larger of the two.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a central longitudinal axis 26 ofthe auxiliary bore 14 (e.g., central longitudinal axes 26A and 26B ineach auxiliary bore 14A and 14B, respectively) is arranged at an angle28A and 28B of about 95° to about 175° relative to a main bore centrallongitudinal axis 50. Accordingly, in an embodiment, two of thetransverse, intersecting auxiliary bores 14A and 14B are arranged in a Yconfiguration at an angle 28A and 28B, respectively, from about 95° toabout 175°, or from about 105° to about 165°, or from about 120° toabout 150°, or from about 125° to about 145°, or about 135°, relative tothe central longitudinal axis 50 of the main bore 12.

In an embodiment, a minimum seat recess spacing 48 represents the lineardistance between the location of the nearest point or surface (indicatedby line 25) of the annular landing 24 into which a ball seat 44 (cf.FIG. 3) is locatable, and a central longitudinal axis 50 of the mainpipe run 12, when determined along a longitudinal axis of the transverseauxiliary pipe run, indicated by line 29. In an embodiment, the minimumseat recess spacing 48 is less than two times a diameter 49 of the mainpipe run 12, wherein the diameter of the main pipe run 49 is determinedat the inlet 13 of the main pipe run 12. In embodiments, the minimumseat recess spacing 48 is less than or equal to about 1.5 times the mainpipe run diameter 49, or less than or equal to about 1.25 times the mainpipe run diameter 49, or less than or equal to about 1 times the mainpipe run diameter 49, or less than or equal to about 0.9 times the mainpipe run diameter 49, or less than or equal to about 0.8 times the mainpipe run diameter 49, or less than or equal to about 0.7 times the mainpipe run diameter 49, or less than or equal to about 0.6 times the mainpipe run diameter, or greater than about 0.5 times the main pipe rundiameter 49.

The absolute minimum seat recess spacings 48 of an embodiment isdetermined by the angle (e.g., 28A or 28B) of the auxiliary pipe runs(14A or 14B) relative to the main pipe run 12, the diameter of theauxiliary pipe runs, and the space requirements between the backside ofthe flanges 20 and the adapter which is necessary according to commonlyaccepted standards in the art to allow access for tooling and the likerequired to attach a ball valve 27 to the ball valve type end connector(18A or 18B).

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional plan view of a multiport valve assembly30 comprising the multi-end connector adaptor 10 directly connected to apair of ball valves 27 at each ball valve type end connector 18A and 18Bof the auxiliary pipe runs 14A, 14B. It is to be understood that theball valve 27 may be a two piece ball valve 32, in which the valve body,generally represented as 34 is integral with the valve end connector,generally represented as 36, and/or the ball valve 27 may be a threepiece ball valve 33 (cf. FIG. 4), in which the valve body 34 is aseparate structure attached to the valve end connector 36. Both are usedinterchangeably herein unless otherwise noted.

In embodiments, the ball valves 27 comprise a ball valve body 34connected between one of the end connectors 18A, 18B and opposing valveend connector 36 for connection to a process line to supply or removeprocess fluid to or from one of the respective auxiliary pipe runs 14A,14B through valve flow bore 15A or 15B. In embodiments, each of the ballvalves 27 comprise a flow control element 38 located in a valve bodycavity 40 formed in the ball valve body 34. The flow control element 38is independently rotatable via the valve stem 58 about stem axis 42between an open (cf. right side, 14B) and a closed position (cf. leftside, 14A). Inlet valve seat 44 and outlet valve seat 46 providemetal-to-metal sealing contact between the flow control element 38 andthe respective end connectors 18A and 36; 18B and 36 via the valve body34. In an embodiment, each flow control element 38 may be associatedwith a valve stem 58, packing 41, packing gland 43, valve handle oroperator 45, and the like, common in the art.

Due to the arrangement of the auxiliary pipe runs 14A, 14B within theadaptor 10, and the close proximity of the recessed landing 24 and thusinlet valve seat 44 and the flow control element 38 to the main pipe run12, there is minimal dead space 17 in the auxiliary pipe runs 14A and14B in which debris can accumulate while one of the flow controlelements 38 is closed (auxiliary pipe run 14A) and the other auxiliarypipe run 14B is opened to allow fluid flow between inlet 13 and outlet54. Also, the close proximity of the recessed landing 24 (i.e., theinlet valve seat 44) and the flow control element 38 facilitates lesstemperature variation and thus lower stresses during thermal cyclingwhich may occur when one valve e.g., the valve on auxiliary pipe run 14Bis opened and the other e.g., the valve on auxiliary pipe run 14A isclosed to re-route the path for the flow of a hot (or cold) fluid.

In an embodiment, the minimum seat recess spacing 48 allows sufficientclearance spacing, indicated as 19 for assembly and connection of thevalve end connectors 18A and 18B to the ball valve 27, e.g., sufficientclearance space required for an equivalently rated flange connectionaccording to ANSI B16.10 or an equivalent thereof, based on the innerdiameter of the bore and the pressure/temperature rating of the severeservice ball valve 27 to allow for tooling and the like required forinstallation of the ball valve 27 into such service. In an embodiment,the minimum seat recess spacing 48 is less, and/or the dead volume 17 isless than dead volume 8 (cf. FIG. 1) which is present using anequivalently sized and rated prior art multiport adapter 1 employingstandard pipe connection flanges between the ends of the multiportadapter and a valve end connector. Accordingly, in an embodiment, themultiport valve assembly 30 results in a decrease in the distancebetween the inlet 13 of the main pipe run 12 and the flow controlelement 38, amounting to at least the dead space 8 (cf. FIG. 1)associated with the adding length of the flow passage between the inlet13 and the valve inlet end connector 2 and the flow control element 38in the ball valve 27 required by the adapter outlet flange 3, and thespacing requirements to allow access to the adapter outlet flange 3 andthe inlet end connector 2 of the ball valve 27, along with the addedlength of the flanges themselves, as shown in FIG. 1.

In embodiments, the minimum seat recess spacing 48, as determined aboveis less than the minimum seat recess spacing which would be required toattach a severe service ball valve 27 to a multiport flange with abolted flange arrangement as shown in FIG. 1, as specified by ANSIB16.10 or an equivalent thereof, which would typically require a minimumseat recess spacing 48 of at least 3 or more times that of the main piperun diameter 49.

In an embodiment, ball valve type end connectors 18A and/or 18B may eachfurther comprise a purge port 31, and the ball valve 27 may furtherinclude one or more purge ports 31 to supply a purge fluid from anexternal source (cf. FIG. 9) to the annular landing 24, proximate theinlet valve seat 44, to the valve body cavity 40, and the like. Thesupply of purge fluid from an external source may inhibit debris fromotherwise accumulating at the inlet valve seats 44 or valve spring 52disposed in annular landing 24 which may interfere with the metal tometal seal between the flow control element 38, the inlet valve seat 44,the ball valve body 34 of the ball valve 27, and the adapter 10.

In an embodiment, the multiport valve assembly 30 may further compriseone or more flush flow ports 37, which may be inlets or outlets tointroduce a flush fluid from an external source (cf. FIG. 9) into outletbores 15 of the ball valves 27. The one or more flush flow ports 37 mayinclude corresponding valves and supply systems to introduce a flushfluid into flow paths 114 located between auxiliary bores 14 of twomultiport valve assemblies 30 (cf. FIG. 9).

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional plan view of a multiport valve assembly30 comprising three piece ball valves 33 for the two ball valves 27connected at the ends of the auxiliary pipe runs 14A, 14B, each directlyconnected to ball valve type end connectors 18A and 18B. In embodiments,the main pipe run 12 may terminate at an end 63 located opposite theinlet 13 and proximate to the auxiliary pipe runs 14A and 14B. Inembodiments, the main pipe run 12 may terminate at a coaxial concavefrustoconical recess, or at a transverse convex surface which may be acoaxial and/or comprise a frustoconical projection 65, and/or at aremovably attached (to the connector adaptor at the end of the pipe run)impingement element, which may carry a wear surface which may bemetallic, ceramic, and/or the like.

As shown in FIG. 4, the flush flow ports 37A, 37B are generally locatedin respective upper and lower portions of the installed multiport valveassembly 30. Depending on the desired use of these flush flow portconnections, this arrangement allows the multiport valve assembly to beinstalled with the functionality of both flush fluid inlet e.g., via theupper flush flow port 37A and/or a flush fluid drain or outlet via thelower flush fluid port 37B. Where the multiport valve assembly isinstalled with flush flow port 37B as the upper port and flush flow port37A as the lower port, the functionality may be reversed. Where only oneof the flush flow ports 37A, 37B is required in a particularinstallation, the other one of the flush flow ports 37B, 37A may beoptionally be utilized for additional functionality such as a reverseflush operation (e.g., by connection of alternate supply piping, whichmay be temporarily or more or less permanently connected), inspection(e.g., by removing a removable plug or installing a sight glass) and/orthe like, or may simply be blocked off Accordingly, in an embodiment,the multiport valve adapter 10 and the corresponding multiport valveassembly 30 utilizes interchangeable valves, and is interchangeablebetween an inlet of a system comprising two or more pathways between apair of multiport valve assemblies 30 (cf. FIG. 9).

As shown in FIG. 5A, which shows the same multiport adapter 10 as shownin FIG. 2, in an embodiment, the minimum seat recess spacing 48 isproportioned and/or the transverse auxiliary pipe runs 14A and 14B aredimensioned and arranged such that a linear projection 51 locatedparallel to the central longitudinal axis 50 describing the bounds ofthe annular landing 24 is located entirely outside of a linearprojection 53 of the main bore 12 arranged parallel to the centrallongitudinal axis 50. The linear projection 51 arranged tangential to apoint 62 located on the nearest surface (line 25) of the annular landing24 which is at the minimum lateral distance (represented by 64) from thecentral longitudinal axis 50. Accordingly, in embodiments, the annularlanding 24 and by extension the inlet valve seat 44 and the flow controlelement 38 of an attached ball valve 27 (cf. FIG. 3 or 4) is notdirectly in the flow path of main pipe run 12 or an incoming fluidflowing from or to the inlet 13 of multiport adapter 10.

As shown in FIG. 5B, in an alternative embodiment 10A, the minimum seatrecess spacing 48 is proportioned and/or the transverse auxiliary piperuns 14A and 14B are dimensioned and arranged such that at least aportion of the annular landing 24 is directly in the flow path of themain pipe run 12 or an incoming fluid flowing from or to the inlet 13 ofmultiport adapter 10. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the minimum seatrecess spacing 48 is proportioned and/or the transverse auxiliary piperuns 14A and 14B are dimensioned and arranged such that a linearprojection 51 parallel to the central longitudinal axis 50 describingthe bounds of the annular landing 24 is located at least partiallywithin a linear projection 53 of the main bore 12 arranged parallel tothe central longitudinal axis 50.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional plan view of an alternative embodiment ofa multiport valve assembly 30A comprising an alternative embodiment of amultiport adapter 10B equipped with a pair of three piece ball valves 33for the two ball valves 27 connected at the ends of the auxiliary piperuns 14A, 14B, each directly connected to ball valve type end connectors18A and 18B. As shown in FIG. 6, in embodiments, the ball valve type endconnectors 18A and 18B may be machined into or otherwise arranged anddisposed into the body 11 of the multiport adapter 10B, as compared to aplurality of pipe sections welded together. In embodiments, the body 11may be formed from a single block of material by boring, casting, orotherwise machining bores therethrough. In embodiments, one or more ofthe ball valves 27 may be attached to the ball valve type end connectors18A and 18B of the multiport adapter 10B using nuts or other threadedmembers 4 threadedly engaged with one end of a corresponding threadedattachment post or stud 71, the stud 71 secured into the multiportadapter 10B on another end to eliminate the need for clearance spacing19 (cf. FIG. 3) required on other embodiments of multiport adaptersdiscussed herein. In embodiments, the main pipe run 12 may terminate atan end 63 located opposite the inlet 13 and proximate to the auxiliarypipe runs 14A and 14B. As shown in FIG. 6, in embodiments, the main piperun 12 may terminate at a coaxial concave frustoconical recess 67. As isalso shown, in embodiments, the inlet 13 of multiport adapter 10B maycomprise a pipe connection flange adapter 69 removably attached to theinlet 13 of the multiport adapter 10B.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a multiport adapter 10C maycomprise three or more of the transverse, intersecting auxiliary bores14A and 14B and 14C, arranged in a T or other configuration such thatone or more central longitudinal axes 26A, 26B, and 26C, of eachauxiliary bore 14A, 14B, and 14C, respectively, is arranged orthogonal(i.e., at an angle 28A of about 90°) to the central longitudinal axis 50of the main bore 12. As shown in FIG. 7, in embodiments, the multiportadapter 10 may further comprise one or more mounting posts 211 suitableto secure the multiport adapter to a structure.

As shown in FIG. 8, in still other alternative embodiments the multiportadapter 10D may comprise three or more flow paths beginning at main bore12 and terminating at a plurality of auxiliary bores 14A, 14B, and 39.In an embodiment, the multiport adapter may comprise a 4-way crossarrangement, further comprising a coaxial auxiliary bore 39 in fluidcommunication with, and collinear with the main bore 12 and transverseto (e.g., essentially orthogonal to) the auxiliary bores 14A and 14B. Inembodiments, the auxiliary bores 14A and 14B are at essentially rightangles to the main bore 12 (i.e., a central longitudinal axis 26 of eachauxiliary bore 14A and 14B is arranged at an angle 28A of about 90° tothe central longitudinal axis 50 of the main bore 12). However, in anembodiment, one or more of the central longitudinal axes 26 of eachauxiliary bore may be at any angle between 90° and 180° relative to themain bore 12, and at any angle from 30° to 180° relative to one anotherdetermined coplanar to any two auxiliary bores. In an embodiment, themulti-end connector adapter 10D may be arranged as a 4-way cross or Xadapter and comprise a mixing chamber 59 located at the intersection ofthe main bore 12 with the auxiliary bores 14A, 14B, and 39, wherein aprocess fluid may be supplied through the main bore 12 and/or coaxialauxiliary bore 39 and/or one or more additive fluids may be introducedthrough the coaxial auxiliary bore 39. In an embodiment, the diameter 49of the main bore 12 is equal to the diameter of the auxiliary bores 47(e.g., 47A, 47B) and/or the coaxial auxiliary bore diameter 57 of anycoaxial auxiliary bore 39. In an embodiment, at least one diameter of anauxiliary bore 47A, 47B, and/or 57 is different, than the diameter ofthe main bore 49. In an embodiment, at least one diameter of anauxiliary bore 47A, 47B, and/or 57 is less than the diameter of the mainbore 49. In an embodiment, at least one diameter of an auxiliary bore47A, 47B, and/or 57 is greater than the diameter of the main bore 49.

As shown in FIG. 8, in embodiments, auxiliary bores 14A and 14Bterminate in ball valve type end connectors 18A, 18B and main bore 12and coaxial auxiliary bore 39 comprise flange connectors 16 and 61,respectively. However, it is to be understood that coaxial auxiliarybore 39 may comprise a ball valve type end connector 18 and/or at leastone of auxiliary bores 14A and 14B may comprise a flange connector 16,so long as at least two of the auxiliary bores comprise ball valve typeend connectors.

In an embodiment, as shown schematically in FIG. 9, a system 100comprises a system inlet 112 in fluid communication with a system outlet110 through one or more multiport valve assemblies 30Y and 30X,respectively. Each multiport valve assemblies 30 comprising a multi-endconnector adaptor 10Y and 10X, each having a plurality of ball valves 27directly attached to and sealingly engaged with the ball valve endconnectors 18. In an embodiment, system 100 comprises one or moreprocess elements 118 respectively disposed in parallel processing paths114A and 114B between first and second multi-end connector adaptorassemblies 30Y and 30X. System inlet 112 is connected to the inlet 13 ofmain bore 12 (cf. FIG. 3) of the first multi-end connector adaptor 10Yand system outlet 110 is likewise connected to the inlet 13 of the mainbore 12 of the second multi-end connector adaptor 10X.

In embodiments, the two or more flow paths 114A and 114B are redundant,meaning each comprise essentially identical process elements 118 and/orflow paths. In embodiments, the two or more flow paths 114A and 114B aredifferent, and may comprise different process elements and/oralternative process elements 118, which may differ in terms of function,design, manufacture, materials of construction, and/or the like,depending on the particular application. In an embodiment, each of theprocessing elements 118 interact with a fluid flowing therethrough insome manner, and may be selected from a flow control valve, an isolationvalve, a filter, a heat exchanger, a distillation column, a reactor, amixer, a noise attenuation element, or any processing element known inthe art, including combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, two or more of a plurality of flush flow ports 37 maybe put into fluid communication with each other (e.g., through flushvalves cf. FIGS. 10 and 11) through at least a portion of one of aplurality of parallel fluid flow paths 114 which are part of system 100to provide a flush fluid 202 as part of a flush system generallyrepresented as 205 which may further include the necessary valves,supply and control systems to provide a supply of temperature and/orcomposition controlled flush fluid 202, steam, compressed gas, and/orthe like, as part of flush system 205. In an embodiment, flush system205 may comprise a plurality of flush valves attached to flush ports 37in fluid communication with each other through at least a portion of oneof the processing paths 114 of the system, which may be in electricalcommunication with a control system 200. In embodiments, system 100 mayfurther comprise a purge system 207 comprising one or more purge valves35 attached to purge ports 31 to direct a purge fluid 56 into a spacewithin the ball valves 27 proximate the valve seats and the like asdescribed herein. Control system 200 may be in electrical, electronic(wired or wireless), pneumatic, and/or mechanical contact to operate theball valves 27 and any other components e.g., 118 and systems e.g.,flush system 207, purge system 205, and the like, of system 100including independently operating each of the ball valves 27 of themultiport valve assemblies 30X and 30Y to selectively open and isolatethe parallel processing paths 114A, 114B with respect to the inlet 112and outlet 110 of the system.

In embodiments, the system 100 may further comprise a control system 200which may optionally be computer- or microprocessor-controlled toindependently, semi-independently, or manually operate any one of theball valves e.g., 27 or other components 118 present in the system,which may include the flow control elements 38 of the ball valves 27(cf. FIGS. 3 and 4) of the multiport valve assemblies 30X and 30Y. Thecontrol system 200 may receive inputs from transmitters 201, e.g.,pressure, temperature, differential pressure, chemical composition, pH,and/or the like, as readily understood in the art. Control system 200may provide control over the flush system 207, the purge system 205, anyof the ball valves 27 and/or the process elements 118, in a sequencenecessary to provide safe establishment of fluid communication betweenthe system inlet 112 and the system outlet 110 along one or both of theparallel processing paths 114A or 114B, or to isolate either or both ofthe parallel processing paths 114A, 114B. In an embodiment, the controlsystem 200 is capable of autonomous operation, semi-autonomousoperation, manual operation or any combination thereof.

As shown in overhead view FIG. 10 and in side view FIG. 11, inembodiments, a system 100 comprises first and second multiport valveassemblies 30X and 30Y, each comprising a multi-end connector adaptor10X and 10Y, each having a ball valve 27 directly attached to andsealingly engaged with the ball valve end connectors 18, wherein aplurality of process elements 118 are connected between each multiportvalve assembly 30 in parallel processing paths 114A and 114B. Inembodiments, system 100 further includes one or more components of aflush system 205 (e.g., a flush valve connected to flush port 37), oneor more components of a purge system 207, (e.g. a purge valve connectedto a purge port 31), and/or the like, one or more components of acontrol system, (e.g., valve controllers 213). As also shown, inembodiments, system 100 may further comprise one or more auxiliary paths207 between auxiliary bores 39 (cf. FIG. 9) of two multi-end connectoradaptors 10X and 10Y e.g., a valved bypass line 207 in fluidcommunication between the main bores of the multiport valve assemblies30X and 30Y. In embodiments, the system 100 is dimensioned and arrangedto be mounted on one or more skids 212 to form one or more pieces of amodule 210 or an entire module installable between an inlet 214 and anoutlet 215 of a commercial process.

In embodiments a method of processing fluid flow through a plurality ofprocess elements respectively disposed in a like plurality of parallelprocessing paths, comprising: providing a system according to one ormore embodiments disclosed herein in a process unit, wherein with themain pipe run of the first multiport severe service ball valve assemblyis connected to an upstream fluid supply and the main pipe run of thesecond multiport severe service ball valve assembly is connected to adownstream process line; selectively opening the flow control elementsin the multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to pass fluidthrough the process element of a first one of the parallel processingpaths; selectively closing the flow control elements in the multiportsevere service ball valve assemblies to isolate the process element of asecond one of the parallel processing paths; servicing the isolatedprocess element; and opening the flow control elements in the multiportsevere service ball valve assemblies to initiate fluid flow through theserviced process element.

In embodiments, the various modules of the system may be assembledremotely and connected to form the system at the intended end-uselocation. In embodiments, one of the flow paths may be isolated and amodule containing a portion of the system removed from the system andmaintained or repaired at a remote location.

Embodiments Listing

Embodiments of the multiport severe service ball valve, systems, andprocesses comprising the same include:

-   A. A multi-end connector adaptor, comprising:    -   a main pipe run comprising an inlet end in fluid communication        with outlet ends of first and second transverse auxiliary pipe        runs;    -   the main pipe run comprising a main pipe run connector flange        located at the inlet end of the main pipe run; and    -   the outlet ends of the first and second transverse auxiliary        pipe runs each comprising a ball valve type end connector flange        comprising a flow bore through the respective flange and an        annular landing recessed in the respective flange around the        flow bore to receive a seat ring for sealing against a flow        control element of a ball valve.-   B. The multi-end connector adaptor according to embodiment A,    wherein the main pipe run connector flange is a pipe type end    connector flange.-   C. The multi-end connector adaptor according to embodiments A or B,    further comprising a minimum seat recess spacing of the annular    landing of the ball valve type end connector of the first transverse    auxiliary pipe run which is less than two main pipe run diameters,    wherein the main pipe run diameter is determined at the inlet end    and the minimum seat recess spacing is the minimum distance between    the annular landing and a central longitudinal axis of the main pipe    run determined along a longitudinal axis of the first transverse    auxiliary pipe run.-   D. The multi-end connector adaptor according to embodiment C,    wherein the minimum seat recess spacing is less than or equal to 1    main pipe run diameter.-   E. The multi-end connector adaptor according to embodiment C,    wherein the annular landing of the ball valve type end connector of    the first transverse auxiliary pipe run is located entirely outside    of a linear projection of an inner surface of the main pipe run    parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run.-   F. The multi-end connector adaptor according to any one of    embodiments A through E, wherein the first and the second transverse    auxiliary pipe runs intersect the main pipe run in a Y configuration    wherein the first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs are each    arranged such that a central longitudinal axis of the corresponding    transverse auxiliary pipe run is at an angle from about 95° to about    175° relative to a central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run.-   G. The multi-end connector adaptor according to any one of    embodiments A through F, further comprising a third transverse    auxiliary pipe run oriented transverse to a plane defined by the    central longitudinal axis of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run    and the central longitudinal axis of the second transverse auxiliary    pipe run.-   H. The multi-end connector adaptor according to embodiment G,    wherein the third transverse auxiliary pipe run comprises a pipe    type end connector flange.-   I. The multi-end connector adaptor according to any one of    embodiments A through H, wherein a central longitudinal axis of the    first transverse auxiliary pipe run is arranged at an angle of about    90° relative to a central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run.-   J. The multi-end connector adaptor according to embodiment I,    wherein a central longitudinal axis of the second transverse    auxiliary pipe run is arranged at an angle of about 90° relative to    a central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run.-   K. The multi-end connector adaptor according to any one of    embodiments A through J, further comprising a third auxiliary pipe    run oriented coaxial with the main pipe run.-   L. The multi-end connector adaptor according to embodiments G or K,    wherein the third auxiliary pipe run comprises a pipe type end    connector flange.-   M. The multi-end connector adaptor according to embodiments G or K,    wherein the third auxiliary pipe run comprises a ball valve type end    connector flange.-   N. The multi-end connector adaptor according to any one of    embodiments A through M, wherein at least one ball valve type end    connector flange comprises a purge port in fluid communication with    the annular landing.-   O. The multi-end connector adaptor according to any one of    embodiments A through N, wherein each ball valve type end connector    comprises an annular projection radially arranged about the flow    bore extending from a face of the respective flange, the annular    projection comprising an outside diameter which is less than an    outside diameter of the respective flange and an inside diameter    which is greater than or equal to an outside diameter of the annular    landing.-   P. A multiport severe service ball valve assembly, comprising the    multi-end connector adaptor according to any one of embodiments A    through O comprising at least two severe service ball valves    attached thereto providing metal to metal sealing between a valve    seat and a flow control element.-   Q. A multiport severe service ball valve assembly, comprising:    -   a multi-end connector adaptor, comprising:    -   a main pipe run comprising an inlet end in fluid communication        with outlet ends of first and second transverse auxiliary pipe        runs;    -   the main pipe run comprising a main pipe run connector flange        located at the inlet end of the main pipe run; and    -   the outlet ends of the first and second transverse auxiliary        pipe runs each comprising a ball valve type end connector flange        comprising a flow bore through the respective flange and an        annular landing recessed in the respective flange around the        flow bore to receive a seat ring,    -   each of the ball valve type end connector flanges detachably        connected to a ball valve body of a corresponding severe service        ball valve such that a flow control element in a cavity of each        ball valve body is sealing engaged with a corresponding seat        ring disposed in the annular landing of the respective ball        valve type end connector flange.-   R. The multiport severe service ball valve assembly according to    embodiments P or Q, further comprising an opposing end connector    attached to each ball valve body opposite the respective ball valve    type end connector of the multi-end connector adaptor.-   S. A system comprising a plurality of process elements respectively    disposed in a plurality of parallel flow paths between first and    second multiport severe service ball valve assemblies according to    any one of embodiments P through R.-   T. A system comprising:    -   a plurality of process elements respectively disposed in a        plurality of parallel flow paths between first and second        multiport severe service ball valve assemblies; each of the        multiport severe service ball valve assemblies comprising:    -   a multi-end connector adaptor, comprising:    -   a main pipe run comprising an inlet end in fluid communication        with outlet ends of first and second transverse auxiliary pipe        runs;    -   the main pipe run comprising a main pipe run connector flange        located at the inlet end of the main pipe run; and    -   the outlet ends of the first and second transverse auxiliary        pipe runs each comprising a ball valve type end connector flange        comprising a flow bore through the respective flange and an        annular landing recessed in the respective flange around the        flow bore to receive a seat ring,    -   each of the ball valve type end connector flanges detachably        connected to a ball valve body of a corresponding severe service        ball valve such that a flow control element in a cavity of each        ball valve body is sealing engaged with a corresponding seat        ring disposed in the annular landing of the respective ball        valve type end connector flange; and    -   a system inlet located at the inlet end of the main pipe run of        the first multiport severe service ball valve assembly in fluid        communication with a system outlet located at the inlet end of        the main pipe run of the second multiport severe service ball        valve assembly through respective transverse auxiliary pipe        runs, flow control elements, and process elements of each of the        flow paths.-   U. The system according to embodiments S or T, wherein the process    elements include a pressure letdown valve, a flow control valve, an    isolation valve, a filter, a heat exchanger, a distillation column,    a reactor, a mixer, a noise attenuation element, or any combination    thereof.-   V. The system according to any one of embodiments S through U,    further comprising a valved flush line inlet in fluid communication    with a valved flush line outlet through at least a portion of one of    the flow paths.-   W. The system according to any one of embodiments S through V,    wherein the first and second multiport severe service ball valve    assemblies and the process elements are mounted on at least one skid    to form a module.-   X. The system according to any one of embodiments S through W,    wherein each of the multi-end connector adaptors further comprise a    third auxiliary pipe run and wherein the system inlet and the system    outlet are in fluid communication through a valved bypass line in    fluid communication between each of the third auxiliary pipe runs.-   Y. The system according to any one of embodiments S through X,    further comprising a control system to operate the first and second    multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to selectively open    and isolate the parallel flow paths with respect to the system inlet    and the system outlet.-   Z. A method of processing fluid flow through a plurality of process    elements respectively disposed in a like plurality of parallel flow    paths, comprising:    -   i) providing a system in a process unit, according to any one of        embodiments S through Y;    -   ii) selectively opening the flow control elements in the        multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to pass fluid        through a first flow path;    -   iii) selectively closing the flow control elements in the        multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to isolate the        process element of a second flow path;    -   iv) servicing the isolated process element of the second flow        path; and    -   v) opening the flow control elements in the multiport severe        service ball valve assemblies to initiate fluid flow through the        serviced process element of the second flow path.-   A1. A method of processing fluid flow through a plurality of process    elements respectively disposed in a like plurality of parallel flow    paths, comprising:    -   i) providing a system in a process unit, the system comprising a        plurality of process elements respectively disposed in a        plurality of parallel flow paths between first and second        multiport severe service ball valve assemblies; each of the        multiport severe service ball valve assemblies comprising:        -   a multi-end connector adaptor, comprising:        -   a main pipe run comprising an inlet end in fluid            communication with outlet ends of first and second            transverse auxiliary pipe runs;        -   the main pipe run comprising a main pipe run connector            flange located at the inlet end of the main pipe run;        -   the outlet ends of the first and second transverse auxiliary            pipe runs each comprising a ball valve type end connector            flange comprising a flow bore through the respective flange            and an annular landing recessed in the respective flange            around the flow bore to receive a seat ring;        -   each of the ball valve type end connector flanges detachably            connected to a ball valve body of a corresponding severe            service ball valve such that a flow control element in a            cavity of each ball valve body is sealing engaged with a            corresponding seat ring disposed in the annular landing of            the respective ball valve type end connector flange;        -   a system inlet located at the inlet end of the main pipe run            of the first multiport severe service ball valve assembly in            fluid communication with a system outlet located at the            inlet end of the main pipe run of the second multiport            severe service ball valve assembly through respective            transverse auxiliary pipe runs, flow control elements, and            process elements of each of the flow paths, wherein with the            system inlet is connected to an upstream fluid supply and            the system outlet is connected to a downstream process line;    -   ii) selectively opening the flow control elements in the        multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to pass fluid        through a first flow path;    -   iii) selectively closing the flow control elements in the        multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to isolate the        process element of a second flow path;    -   iv) servicing the isolated process element of the second flow        path; and    -   v) opening the flow control elements in the multiport severe        service ball valve assemblies to initiate fluid flow through the        serviced process element of the second flow path.

The invention is described above in reference to specific examples andembodiments. The metes and bounds of the invention are not to be limitedby the foregoing disclosure, which is illustrative only, but should bedetermined in accordance with the full scope and spirit of the appendedclaims. Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in theart in view of the description and examples. It is intended that allsuch variations within the scope and spirit of the appended claims beembraced thereby.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-end connector adaptor, comprising: a mainpipe run comprising an inlet end in fluid communication with outlet endsof first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs; the main pipe runcomprising a main pipe run connector flange located at the inlet end ofthe main pipe run; and the outlet ends of the first and secondtransverse auxiliary pipe runs each comprising a ball valve type endconnector flange comprising a flow bore through the respective flangeand an annular landing recessed in the respective flange around the flowbore to receive a seat ring for sealing against a flow control elementof a ball valve.
 2. The multi-end connector adaptor of claim 1, whereinthe main pipe run connector flange is a pipe type end connector flange.3. The multi-end connector adaptor of claim 1, further comprising aminimum seat recess spacing of the annular landing of the ball valvetype end connector of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run which isless than two main pipe run diameters, wherein the main pipe rundiameter is determined at the inlet end and the minimum seat recessspacing is the minimum distance between the annular landing and acentral longitudinal axis of the main pipe run determined along alongitudinal axis of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run.
 4. Themulti-end connector adaptor of claim 3, wherein the minimum seat recessspacing is less than or equal to 1 main pipe run diameter.
 5. Themulti-end connector adaptor of claim 3, wherein the annular landing ofthe ball valve type end connector of the first transverse auxiliary piperun is located entirely outside of a linear projection of an innersurface of the main pipe run parallel to a central longitudinal axis ofthe main pipe run.
 6. The multi-end connector adaptor of claim 1,wherein the first and the second transverse auxiliary pipe runsintersect the main pipe run in a Y configuration wherein the first andsecond transverse auxiliary pipe runs are each arranged such that acentral longitudinal axis of the corresponding transverse auxiliary piperun is at an angle from about 95° to about 175° relative to a centrallongitudinal axis of the main pipe run.
 7. The multi-end connectoradaptor of claim 6, further comprising a third transverse auxiliary piperun oriented transverse to a plane defined by the central longitudinalaxis of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run and the centrallongitudinal axis of the second transverse auxiliary pipe run.
 8. Themulti-end connector adaptor of claim 7, wherein the third transverseauxiliary pipe run comprises a pipe type end connector flange.
 9. Themulti-end connector adaptor of claim 1, wherein a central longitudinalaxis of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run is arranged at an angleof about 90° relative to a central longitudinal axis of the main piperun.
 10. The multi-end connector adaptor of claim 9, wherein a centrallongitudinal axis of the second transverse auxiliary pipe run isarranged at an angle of about 90° relative to a central longitudinalaxis of the main pipe run.
 11. The multi-end connector adaptor of claim10, further comprising a third auxiliary pipe run oriented coaxial withthe main pipe run.
 12. The multi-end connector adaptor of claim 11,wherein the third auxiliary pipe run comprises a pipe type end connectorflange.
 13. The multi-end connector adaptor of claim 11, wherein thethird auxiliary pipe run comprises a ball valve type end connectorflange.
 14. The multi-end connector adaptor of claim 1, wherein at leastone ball valve type end connector flange comprises a purge port in fluidcommunication with the annular landing.
 15. The multi-end connectoradaptor of claim 1, wherein each ball valve type end connector comprisesan annular projection radially arranged about the flow bore extendingfrom a face of the respective flange, the annular projection comprisingan outside diameter which is less than an outside diameter of therespective flange and an inside diameter which is greater than or equalto an outside diameter of the annular landing.
 16. A multiport severeservice ball valve assembly, comprising: a multi-end connector adaptor,comprising: a main pipe run comprising an inlet end in fluidcommunication with outlet ends of first and second transverse auxiliarypipe runs; the main pipe run comprising a main pipe run connector flangelocated at the inlet end of the main pipe run; and the outlet ends ofthe first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs each comprising aball valve type end connector flange comprising a flow bore through therespective flange and an annular landing recessed in the respectiveflange around the flow bore to receive a seat ring, each of the ballvalve type end connector flanges detachably connected to a ball valvebody of a corresponding severe service ball valve such that a flowcontrol element in a cavity of each ball valve body is sealing engagedwith a corresponding seat ring disposed in the annular landing of therespective ball valve type end connector flange.
 17. The multiportsevere service ball valve assembly of claim 16, further comprising anopposing end connector attached to each ball valve body opposite therespective ball valve type end connector of the multi-end connectoradaptor.
 18. A system comprising: a plurality of process elementsrespectively disposed in a plurality of parallel flow paths betweenfirst and second multiport severe service ball valve assemblies; each ofthe multiport severe service ball valve assemblies comprising: amulti-end connector adaptor, comprising: a main pipe run comprising aninlet end in fluid communication with outlet ends of first and secondtransverse auxiliary pipe runs; the main pipe run comprising a main piperun connector flange located at the inlet end of the main pipe run; andthe outlet ends of the first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runseach comprising a ball valve type end connector flange comprising a flowbore through the respective flange and an annular landing recessed inthe respective flange around the flow bore to receive a seat ring, eachof the ball valve type end connector flanges detachably connected to aball valve body of a corresponding severe service ball valve such that aflow control element in a cavity of each ball valve body is sealingengaged with a corresponding seat ring disposed in the annular landingof the respective ball valve type end connector flange; and a systeminlet located at the inlet end of the main pipe run of the firstmultiport severe service ball valve assembly in fluid communication witha system outlet located at the inlet end of the main pipe run of thesecond multiport severe service ball valve assembly through respectivetransverse auxiliary pipe runs, flow control elements, and processelements of each of the flow paths.
 19. The system of claim 18, whereinthe process elements include a pressure letdown valve, a flow controlvalve, an isolation valve, a filter, a heat exchanger, a distillationcolumn, a reactor, a mixer, a noise attenuation element, or anycombination thereof.
 20. The system of claim 18, further comprising avalved flush line inlet in fluid communication with a valved flush lineoutlet through at least a portion of one of the flow paths.
 21. Thesystem of claim 18, wherein the first and second multiport severeservice ball valve assemblies and the process elements are mounted on atleast one skid to form a module.
 22. The system of claim 18, whereineach of the multi-end connector adaptors further comprise a thirdauxiliary pipe run and wherein the system inlet and the system outletare in fluid communication through a valved bypass line in fluidcommunication between each of the third auxiliary pipe runs.
 23. Thesystem of claim 18, further comprising a control system to operate thefirst and second multiport severe service ball valve assemblies toselectively open and isolate the parallel flow paths with respect to thesystem inlet and the system outlet.
 24. A method of processing fluidflow through a plurality of process elements respectively disposed in alike plurality of parallel flow paths, comprising: i) providing a systemin a process unit, the system comprising a plurality of process elementsrespectively disposed in a plurality of parallel flow paths betweenfirst and second multiport severe service ball valve assemblies; each ofthe multiport severe service ball valve assemblies comprising: amulti-end connector adaptor, comprising: a main pipe run comprising aninlet end in fluid communication with outlet ends of first and secondtransverse auxiliary pipe runs; the main pipe run comprising a main piperun connector flange located at the inlet end of the main pipe run; theoutlet ends of the first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs eachcomprising a ball valve type end connector flange comprising a flow borethrough the respective flange and an annular landing recessed in therespective flange around the flow bore to receive a seat ring; each ofthe ball valve type end connector flanges detachably connected to a ballvalve body of a corresponding severe service ball valve such that a flowcontrol element in a cavity of each ball valve body is sealing engagedwith a corresponding seat ring disposed in the annular landing of therespective ball valve type end connector flange; a system inlet locatedat the inlet end of the main pipe run of the first multiport severeservice ball valve assembly in fluid communication with a system outletlocated at the inlet end of the main pipe run of the second multiportsevere service ball valve assembly through respective transverseauxiliary pipe runs, flow control elements, and process elements of eachof the flow paths, wherein with the system inlet is connected to anupstream fluid supply and the system outlet is connected to a downstreamprocess line; ii) selectively opening the flow control elements in themultiport severe service ball valve assemblies to pass fluid through afirst flow path; iii) selectively closing the flow control elements inthe multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to isolate theprocess element of a second flow path; iv) servicing the isolatedprocess element of the second flow path; and v) opening the flow controlelements in the multiport severe service ball valve assemblies toinitiate fluid flow through the serviced process element of the secondflow path.